From the ski slopes to the world’s largest potato masher, Wisconsin can be a lot of fun in the winter

At the beginning of the year, Wisconsin experienced drastic snowfall and low temperatures. Now winter almost resembles spring weather.

Despite a warmer than usual winter, you can still enjoy some seasonal fun. Anne Sayers, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, joined WPR’s “Morning Edition” host Alex Crowe to share some ideas.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Alex Crowe: So let’s start with the non-motorized things that people can do across the state. Can you tell us what we can do and where we can find it?

Anna Sayers: So, many people don’t realize that Wisconsin actually has the third most ski resorts in the entire country. We have jumps and trails for people of all skill levels – from beginner to expert. We have ski and snowboard slopes in every corner of the state.

The good news is that many of these places produce snow so they can survive changing conditions.

One idea is to utilize First songs on Friday this season. This is a novel promotion. They have 15 participating ski hills and offer deals and exclusive offers. They have discounted train tickets for guests who arrive in the morning on Fridays and the like.

Some hills to check out: Granite Peak Ski Area in Wausau. This is one of the largest and oldest ski hills in Wisconsin. We have Trollhaugen ski resort in northwestern Wisconsin, which is open until 3 a.m. on Fridays.

Then we have Sunburst Ski Hill in Kewaskum. They have skiing and snowboarding, as well as 45 snow tubing lanes. Speeds of up to 30 miles per hour can be reached on their hills.

AC: Staying open until 3 a.m. sounds like a lot of fun. Let’s move on to motorsports. I heard from many snowmobilers who couldn’t wait for some snow to hit the ground. Is there enough land at this time to keep these trails open or are they still closed?

HOW: This question is arduous to answer at this time because conditions are changing. But when it snows, Wisconsin boasts 25,000 miles of snowmobile trails. This is actually equivalent to the entire circumference of the Earth. So we have plenty to choose from when it snows.

The good news is that we offer Wisconsin Snow Report. This is an up-to-date seasonal report that tells you exactly what snow conditions are like in every part of the state. So you can take a look at where you plan to go and see what the conditions are like there, or you can simply plan your trip based on where the snow is and whether it’s actually snowing.

We have 130 volunteer reporters who make sure we bring you the best news. It even includes some fun facts like suggestions for restaurants, places to stay, and other things to do while you’re there. So it’s truly a one-stop shop if you’re planning a winter getaway.

AC: I know a lot of people love ice fishing this time of year. We’ve had some really frosty weather lately, and then it started to heated up. Do we know anything about the conditions?

HOW: It really varies from state to state. We’ve found that your local bait and tackle store will be your absolute best resource. They know exactly what’s going on and what the conditions are behind the door. It’s a way to plan your trip carefully and also stay nice and unthreatening.

AC: There is always something to do in Wisconsin. What can you do if you’re trapped indoors or it’s something that makes Wisconsin a destination whether there’s a lot of snow on the ground or not?

HOW: I’m glad you mentioned this because the data really proves that Wisconsin truly is a four-season vacation destination. That’s because even in winter, when the weather isn’t great, people visit museums, see concerts, attend festivals, eat at restaurants, stay in hotels, and simply make an economic impact that supports our communities.

We have some really cold novel museums this year. One of Imaginarium for children in Wausau, a STEM-focused museum. It’s 10,000 square feet of interactive exhibits – and you can take kids to see them.

Another is food and Farm Exploration Center in Plover. It recently opened as an educational center that talks about contemporary agriculture and where our food comes from. Additionally, outside the center, there is the world’s largest potato masher. This is a 39 foot high potato masher. You have to see it to believe it.